Chemical conversion treatment solution and chemically converted steel sheet

ABSTRACT

A chemically converted steel sheet having a chemically converted coating film is made by coating a Zn-based plated steel sheet with a chemical conversion treatment solution and drying the same. The chemically converted coating film is constituted by a first chemically converted layer including V, Mo, and P, and a second chemically converted layer provided on said layer and including a group 4A metal oxygen acid salt, and the ratio of pentavalent V to all the Vs in the chemically converted coating film is 0.7 or greater. The chemical conversion treatment solution includes specific proportions of V, Mo, an amine, the group 4A metal oxygen acid salt, and P, and substantially does not include hydrophilic resins, fluorine, or silicon.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a chemically treated steel sheet, and a chemical treatment solution for a zinc-based plated steel sheet.

BACKGROUND ART

Zinc-based plated steel sheets have been used in wide applications such as automobiles, building materials, and home electric appliances. Typically, the surface of a plated steel sheet is subjected to a chromium-free chemical treatment for imparting corrosion resistance without oiling. The chromium-free chemical treatment is roughly divided into organic treatments and inorganic treatments. The organic treatments allow a thick film containing an organic resin to be formed, whereas the inorganic treatments allow a thin film (film thickness: 1 μm or less) to be formed for obtaining spot weldability. The organic treatments can impart relatively high corrosion resistance compared to the inorganic treatments. Some of the inorganic treatments also exhibit high corrosion resistance in the same degree as the organic treatments by using a zinc-based plated steel sheet containing aluminum and magnesium in its plating layer as an original sheet for chemical treatment.

As the inorganic treatment, for example, titanium-based, zirconium-based, molybdenum-based, and their complex-based inorganic treatments have been developed depending on the difference in corrosion inhibitors. Further, in order to enhance corrosion resistance, inorganic treatments to which a silane coupling agent, silica sol, an organic acid, or the like is further added have also been developed (see, e.g., PTLs 1 to 3).

PTL 1 discloses a chemically treated steel sheet obtained by forming a chromium-free chemical conversion film containing a valve metal and a soluble fluoride of the valve metal on the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet. PTL 2 discloses a chemically treated steel sheet obtained by forming a chromium-free chemical conversion film containing: a zirconium compound, a vanadyl compound (salt of VO²⁺), and the like; an organic acid; a silica compound; a fluoride; a lubricant; or the like on the surface of a Magnesium-Aluminum-Silicon-containing zinc-based plated steel sheet. PTL 3 discloses a chemically treated steel sheet obtained by forming a chromium-free chemical conversion film containing a basic zirconium compound, a vanadyl compound, a phosphate compound, a cobalt compound, an organic acid, or the like on the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet.

As disclosed in PTLs 1 to 3, chromium-free chemical treatments in which corrosion inhibitors are complexed, and an organic acid, a fluoride, a silane coupling agent, or the like is added for the enhancement of the functionality of the chromium-free chemical conversion film, and which can impart more excellent corrosion resistance of the film than that of the film obtained by the conventional chromate treatments. However, when the chemically treated steel sheet obtained by forming the chromium-free chemical conversion film on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet is stored for a long period of time under high temperature and humid environment, the chemically treated steel sheet sometimes has a blacked surface of a plating layer due to oxidization. The blackening of the surface of the plating layer not only lowers the design but also cause adverse influences such as lowering of spot weldability. This phenomenon is remarkably apparent particularly in the zinc-based plated steel sheet containing aluminum and magnesium in its plating layer.

As a means for suppressing the blackening of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, PTL 4 proposes an organic chemical treatment in which a hexavalent molybdenum oxoate and an amine coexist. According to the technique of PTL 4, an amine forms a complex with molybdenum oxo-acid to suppress the reaction of the molybdenum oxoate with a zinc alloy plating layer, and thus a pentavalent or hexavalent molybdenum complex oxoate (so-called “molybdenum blue”) is formed in the chemical conversion film. The pentavalent molybdenum oxoate in the chemical conversion film becomes the hexavalent molybdenum oxoate through the reaction with oxygen which permeates the film. In this manner, the pentavalent molybdenum oxoate in the chemical conversion film traps oxygen which permeates the film, so that the oxidation of the surface of the plating layer is suppressed, and as a result the blackening is also suppressed.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature PTL 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-194558 PTL 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-055777 PTL 3 WO2007/123276 PTL 4 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-146340 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In order to impart high corrosion resistance to a chemically treated steel sheet, it is necessary to dry a chemical treatment solution applied to the surface of the steel sheet sufficiently to form an insoluble film. When the drying temperature is low and drying is insufficient, corrosion resistance is remarkably lowered. Therefore, when the chemically treated steel sheet is produced in a continuous line, it is necessary to dry the chemical treatment solution at a high temperature of a steel sheet temperature of about 50 to 200° C., from the viewpoint of both achieving sufficient drying and productivity.

Recently, CO₂ elimination as a countermeasure for global warming and power saving as a countermeasure for power shortage have been required. In particular, in order to cope with Scope 3, products have been required, which contribute to CO₂ elimination even in the stage in which raw materials for the products are produced. Accordingly, also in the chromium-free chemical treatment, it has been required to lower the drying temperature and reduce the drying time.

The present invention has been achieved in light of the above-mentioned respects, and an object of the present invention is to provide a chemically treated steel sheet which is excellent in corrosion resistance and blackening resistance obtained by employing a zinc-based plated steel sheet as an original sheet, and which is capable of being produced even when an applied chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a chemical treatment solution capable of forming a chemical conversion film that enhances corrosion resistance and blackening resistance even when being dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have studied the chromium-free chemical treatment for the zinc-based plated steel sheet in terms of the relationship between treatment conditions (such as the composition of the chemical conversion film and drying temperature) and various quality properties. As a result, the present inventors have found it important to form an insoluble complex film with small residual amount of a soluble salt and a solvent, for the enhancement of corrosion resistance. That is, it has been found that, when excessive amounts of a fluoride, an organic acid, and an amine with a high-boiling point remain in the chemical conversion film, corrosion resistance is remarkably lowered. Particularly, it has been found that, the composition of the chemical treatment solution is quite important, because when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time, a complex salt is less likely to be formed, and a fluoride, an organic acid, and an amine with a high-boiling point tend to remain.

As a result of intensive study in consideration of those respects, the present inventors have found that the above-described problems can be solved by forming a chemical conversion film using a chemical treatment solution containing a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine having a low boiling point, a group 4A metal oxoate and a phosphate, and have studied further to complete the present invention.

That is, the present invention relates to the following chemical treatment solution:

[1] A chemical treatment solution for coating a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum, the chemical treatment solution containing a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate and a phosphate compound, in which a molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium in the chemical treatment solution is 0.4 to 5.5, a molar ratio of the amine to the vanadium in the chemical treatment solution is 0.3 or more, a content of a hydrophilic resin in the chemical treatment solution is at most 100 mass % based on a total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution, a total content of fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion in the chemical treatment solution is at most 30 mass % based on the total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution, and a content of silicon derived from a silanol group in the chemical treatment solution is at most 50 mass % based on the total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. [2] The chemical treatment solution according to [1], in which the amine has a molecular weight of 80 or less.

Further, the present invention relates to the following chemically treated steel sheet:

[3] A chemically treated steel sheet including a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum, and a chemical conversion film disposed on the zinc-based plating layer, in which the chemical conversion film includes a first chemical conversion layer disposed on a surface of the zinc-based plating layer and containing vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer disposed on the first chemical conversion layer and containing a group 4A metal oxoate, and a percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more. [4] The chemically treated steel sheet according to [3], in which the group 4A metal oxoate is a zirconium oxoate, and the chemical conversion film contains 1 to 60 parts by mass of molybdenum, 2 to 20 parts by mass of vanadium, and 10 to 50 parts by mass of phosphorus, based on 100 parts by mass of zirconium. [5] The chemically treated steel sheet according to [3] or [4], in which the zinc-based plated steel sheet is a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plated steel sheet having a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum and 1.5 to 10.0 mass % of magnesium.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to produce a chemically treated steel sheet excellent in corrosion resistance and blackening resistance even when a chemical treatment solution applied to the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a TEM image of a cross-section of a test specimen of one example of a chemically treated steel sheet according to the present invention produced at a drying temperature of 80° C.;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an element distribution of the test specimen from the surface thereof toward the depth direction; and

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the intensity profile of chemical binding energy corresponding to 2p orbit of vanadium in an interface between a chemical conversion film and plating layer interface of a test specimen of the other example of the chemically treated steel sheet according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A chemically treated steel sheet of the present invention includes a zinc-based plated steel sheet (original sheet for chemical treatment) and a chemical conversion film formed on a surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet. Hereinafter, each constituent element will be described.

[Zinc-Based Plated Steel Sheet]

As the original sheet for chemical treatment, a zinc-based plated steel sheet excellent in corrosion resistance and design is used. As used herein, the term “zinc-based plated steel sheet” means a plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum and 50 mass % or more of zinc. Examples of the zinc-based plated steel sheet include hot-dip zinc plated steel sheet (GI), alloyed hot-dip zinc plated steel sheet (GA), hot-dip zinc-aluminum plated steel sheet, and hot-dip zinc-aluminum-magnesium plated steel sheet. The plating layers of the hot-dip zinc plated steel sheet (GI) and alloyed hot-dip zinc plated steel sheet (GA) also contain 0.1 mass % or more of aluminum for preventing oxidation. The zinc-based plated steel sheet may be produced by a hot-dip plating process, an electroplating process, a vapor-deposition plating process, or the like.

For example, the hot-dip zinc-aluminum-magnesium plated steel sheet can be produced by the hot-dip plating process using an alloy plating bath containing 1.0 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum and 1.5 to 10.0 mass % of magnesium, with the residual part being substantially zinc. In order to enhance the adherence between a steel substrate and a plating layer, silicon which suppresses the growth of an aluminum-iron alloy layer in the interface between the steel substrate and the plating layer may be added to the plating bath in a range of 0.005 to 2.0 mass %. Further, in order to suppress the generation and the growth of Zn₁₁Mg₂ phase which causes adverse influence on its outer appearance and corrosion resistance, titanium, boron, a titanium-boron alloy, a titanium-containing compound or a boron-containing compound may be added to the plating bath. The addition amounts of these compounds are preferably set such that titanium is within a range of 0.001 to 0.1 mass % and boron is within a range of 0.0005 to 0.045 mass %.

The type of the steel substrate of the zinc-based plated steel sheet is not particularly limited. Examples of the steel substrate include common steel, low alloy steel, and stainless steel.

[Chemical Conversion Film]

A chemical conversion film is formed on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet. The chemical conversion film enhances the corrosion resistance and blackening resistance of the zinc-based plated steel sheet. The chemical conversion film includes a first chemical conversion layer (reaction layer) positioned on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet and principally composed of vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer positioned on the first chemical conversion layer and principally composed of a group 4A metal oxoate.

As used herein, the term “corrosion resistance” includes one or both of flat part corrosion resistance and worked part corrosion resistance. “Worked part corrosion resistance” is corrosion resistance of a part subjected to working (working part) such as bending work in which a chemically treated steel sheet is deformed, and “flat part corrosion resistance” is corrosion resistance of a part other than the working part in the chemically treated steel sheet.

[Chemical Treatment Solution]

The chemical conversion film is formed by applying and drying an alkaline chemical treatment solution containing 1) a water-soluble molybdate, 2) a vanadium salt, 3) an amine having a low boiling point, 4) a group 4A metal oxoate, and 5) a phosphate. By adjusting the pH of the chemical treatment solution to be alkaline, it is possible to form the first chemical conversion layer (reaction layer) without using fluorine or the like even on an aluminum part of the surface of the plating layer having less reactivity. By using the chemical treatment solution of such a composition, it becomes possible to form a chemical conversion film which may enhance the corrosion resistance and blackening resistance of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time. Note that vanadium derived from the vanadium salt, molybdenum derived from the water-soluble molybdate and phosphorus derived from the phosphate are localized in the first chemical conversion layer. Further, the group 4A metal oxoate is localized in the second chemical conversion layer. Hereinafter, each element contained in the chemical treatment solution will be described.

1) Molybdate

A molybdate stabilizes the valence of vanadium in the chemical treatment solution, and enhances the blacking resistance and corrosion resistance of the chemically treated steel sheet. It is deduced that a molybdenum acid ion (hereinafter, also referred to as Mo acid ion) forms a complex with a pentavalent vanadium ion (hereinafter, also referred to as pentavalent V ion) in the alkaline chemical treatment solution to thereby stabilize the valence of vanadium so as to be pentavalent.

The molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium in the chemical treatment solution, i.e., the molar ratio of a molybdenum element derived from a molybdate to a vanadium element derived from a vanadium salt (Mo/V) in the chemical treatment solution is within a range of 0.4 to 5.5. When the molar ratio of the molybdenum element to the vanadium element is less than 0.4, there is a concern that the valence of vanadium cannot be kept to be pentavalent. When the molar ratio of the molybdenum element to the vanadium element is more than 5.5, a Mo acid ion is more likely to form a condensed acid, and the Mo acid ion that forms a complex with the pentavalent V ion becomes insufficient, so that there is a concern that the valence of V may not be stable.

Further, when a chemical conversion film is formed using a chemical treatment solution in which a molybdate and an amine coexist, a pentavalent or hexavalent molybdenum complex oxoate is formed in the chemical conversion film.

When a chemical conversion film is formed, in an alkaline condition, using the chemical treatment solution in which a vanadium salt, a molybdate and an amine coexist, molybdenum preferentially reacts with the surface of the plating layer together with the vanadium salt and phosphorus to form a first chemical conversion layer (reaction layer) on the surface of the plating layer. In this manner, the molybdate forms a uniform reaction layer on the surface of the plating layer together with vanadium acid and the phosphorus, and thus blackening resistance is enhanced. Further, due to the coexistence of the molybdate and the amine, a pentavalent or hexavalent molybdenum complex oxoate is formed in the chemical conversion film, which pentavalent molybdenum oxoate is oxidized to thereby form an oxidized film; the oxidized film also contributes to the enhancement of corrosion resistance. In addition, when the above-described lattice defect occurs, the plating layer is considered to exhibit a gray outer appearance with metal luster being suppressed further due to more absorption of light of a wavelength in visible region.

The type of the molybdate is not particularly limited as long as the molybdate can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the molybdate include molybdenum acid, ammonium molybdate, and a molybdenum acid alkali metal salt. Among those, molybdenum acid or ammonium molybdate is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. The amount of molybdenum contained in the chemical conversion film is preferably within a range of 1 to 60 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of a group 4A metal (e.g., zirconium). When the amount of molybdenum is less than 1 part by mass, there is a concern that the blackening resistance cannot be sufficiently enhanced. When the amount of molybdenum is more than 60 parts by mass, the amount of a molybdate unreacted with the surface of the plating layer becomes excessive, so that there is a concern that working part corrosion resistance may be lowered.

2) Vanadium Salt

A vanadium salt contributes not only to the enhancement of corrosion resistance but also to the enhancement of blackening resistance. When a chemical conversion film is formed, in an alkaline condition, using a chemical treatment solution in which a vanadium salt, a molybdate and an amine coexist, vanadium preferentially reacts with the surface of the plating layer together with molybdenum acid and phosphorus to form a first chemical conversion layer (reaction layer) on the surface of the plating layer. In this manner, vanadium forms a uniform reaction layer on the surface of the plating layer together with molybdenum acid and a group 4A metal, and thus corrosion resistance and blackening resistance are enhanced.

The type of the vanadium salt is not particularly limited as long as the vanadium salt can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the vanadium salt include ammonium metavanadate, sodium metavanadate, potassium metavanadate, and a vanadate obtained by dissolving vanadium pentoxide with an amine. In all of these vanadium salts, the valence of vanadium is pentavalent (hereinafter, vanadium having a valence of 5 is also referred to as “pentavalent V”). Among those, ammonium metavanadate, or a vanadate obtained by dissolving vanadium pentoxide with an amine is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance.

Generally, the pentavalent V ion in the chemical treatment solution has low stability of valence. Accordingly, if the pentavalent V ion in the chemical treatment solution is left alone, the concentration of the pentavalent V ion fails to reach a concentration at which the above-mentioned reaction layer is formed. Thus, as described above, the coexistence with the molybdate in an alkaline condition increases the concentration of the pentavalent V ion in the chemical treatment solution. Further, it is considered that the pentavalent V ion does not have higher solubility in the chemical treatment solution than a divalent to tetravalent vanadium ion chelated through reduction by an organic acid or the like, and thus is more likely to preferentially precipitate on the surface of the plating layer to generate a reaction.

The content of the vanadium salt in the chemically treatment solution is preferably 8 g/L or less in terms of vanadium atom. When this content is more than 8 g/L, the stability of the chemical treatment solution is lowered, so that there is a possibility of the formation of a precipitate when the chemical treatment solution is stored at room temperature for about a month. In this connection, in a case where the chemical treatment solution is used immediately after the production thereof, the above-mentioned problem of stability does not occur even when the above-mentioned content is more than 8 g/L.

The amount of vanadium contained in the chemical treatment solution is preferably within a range of 2 to 20 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of a group 4A metal (e.g., zirconium). When the amount of vanadium is less than 2 parts by mass, there is a concern that the corrosion resistance and blackening resistance cannot be enhanced sufficiently. When the amount of vanadium is more than 20 parts by mass, there is a concern that the amount of pentavalent vanadium unreacted with the surface of the plating layer may become excessive, causing the corrosion resistance to be lowered.

The percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more. When the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium is less than 0.7, there is a concern that the blackening resistance cannot be enhanced sufficiently.

3) Amine

An amine dissolves a salt containing pentavalent vanadium (hereafter, also referred to as “pentavalent vanadium salt”) in the chemical treatment solution while keeping the valence of vanadium to be pentavalent (tetravalent when an organic acid is used), and also forms a pentavalent or hexavalent molybdenum complex oxoate from a molybdate. The amine is preferably an amine having a low boiling point. The amine having a low boiling point is an amine having a molecular weight of 80 or less. The amine having a molecular weight of 80 or less generally has a low boiling point, and hardly remains in a chemical conversion film even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time, so that the amine can contribute to the enhancement of the corrosion resistance. Examples of the amine having a low boiling point include ammonia (used as aqueous ammonia), ethanolamine, 1-amino-2-propanol, and ethylenediamine. When an excessive amount of amine remains in the chemical conversion film after being dried, the corrosion resistance of a chemically treated steel sheet is undesirably lowered due to elution of an amine. Therefore, the amount of the amine remaining in the chemical conversion film is preferably 10 mass % or less in terms of nitrogen from the viewpoint of preventing the lowering of the corrosion resistance of the chemically treated steel sheet. By using an amine having a molecular weight of 80 or less, the amount of the remaining amine can be 10 mass % or less in terms of nitrogen.

By dissolving a pentavalent vanadium salt in a liquid amine or an aqueous amine solution, the pentavalent vanadium salt having low water-solubility can be blended into a chemical treatment solution while keeping the valence of vanadium to be pentavalent. When dissolving the pentavalent vanadium salt in a liquid amine, the addition of the resultant solution to the aqueous solution containing a molybdate enables a chemical treatment solution to be prepared. In addition, when dissolving the pentavalent vanadium salt in an aqueous amine solution, a pentavalent vanadium salt may be added after the molybdate and the amine to thereby directly prepare a chemical treatment solution, or a pentavalent vanadium salt may be dissolved in the aqueous amine solution, and then the resultant solution may be added to the aqueous solution containing a molybdate to prepared a chemical treatment solution. Typically, an aqueous solution containing tetravalent vanadium (V⁴⁺) is blue, whereas an aqueous solution containing pentavalent vanadium (V⁵⁺) is yellow, and thus it is possible to presume the valence of vanadium from the color of the chemical treatment solution.

As described above, when using a vanadate as a vanadium salt, vanadium pentoxide is dissolved in an amine to prepare a vanadate. At that time, heat is generated in dissolving pentavalent vanadium in an amine. There is a concern that the pentavalent vanadium may be reduced to tetravalent vanadium in a high temperature environment of 40° C. or higher. Thus, in order to dissolve the pentavalent vanadium salt in an amine while keeping the valence of vanadium to be pentavalent, it is necessary to maintain an environmental temperature of the pentavalent vanadium less than 40° C. The method in which the environmental temperature is maintained less than 40° C. is not particularly limited. For example, the addition of vanadium pentoxide to the amine solution (dilution of amine and vanadium pentoxide) can maintain the environmental temperature less than 40° C.

The molar ratio of the amine to vanadium in the chemical treatment solution is 0.3 or more. When this molar ratio is less than 0.3, there is a concern that the valence of vanadium cannot be kept to be pentavalent. The molar ratio of the amine to vanadium is preferably 10 or less from the viewpoints of not allowing the effect of maintaining the valence of vanadium to reach a plateau, and of suppressing the cost of amine.

4) Group 4A Metal Oxoate

A group 4A metal oxoate forms a dense chemical conversion film to enhance corrosion resistance. That is, while it is difficult to form a dense chemical conversion film with a chemical treatment solution containing only a molybdate and a vanadium salt, it is possible to form a chemical conversion film having a high barrier property by cross-linking molybdenum and vanadium with the further addition of the group 4A metal oxoate.

The type of the group 4A metal oxoate is not particularly limited. Examples of the group 4A metal oxoate include titanium, zirconium, and hafnium. Examples of the type of oxoate include hydracid salt, ammonium salt, alkaline metal salt, and alkaline earth metal salt. Among those, a group 4A metal oxoate ammonium salt is preferred, and ammonium zirconium carbonate is particularly preferred, from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance.

5) Phosphate

The chemical treatment solution further contains a phosphate. The phosphate functions with the group 4A metal oxoate to thereby form a dense chemical conversion film, thus enhancing corrosion resistance. The type of the phosphate is not particularly limited as long as the phosphate can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the phosphate include an alkali metal phosphate, and an ammonium phosphate. In particular, diammonium hydrogen phosphate or ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, which can sufficiently enhance corrosion resistance, is preferred, even when being dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time. The amount of phosphorus in the chemical conversion film is preferably in a range of 10 to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the group 4A metal (e.g., zirconium). When the amount of phosphorus is less than 10 parts by mass, a crack which constitutes a defect is more likely to occur in the chemical conversion film, so that there is a concern that the corrosion resistance may be lowered. When the amount of phosphorus is more than 50 parts by mass, an unreacted phosphate remains in the chemical conversion film, so that there is a concern that the corrosion resistance may be lowered.

Noted that, when specific component used in the conventional chromium-free chemical treatment is added to the above-mentioned chemical treatment solution, the expected characteristics of the chemically treated steel sheet may be insufficient. For example, a certain type of organic resin, silane coupling agent, or organic acid is added, a pentavalent V ion is more likely to be reduced to a tetravalent vanadium ion, so that blackening resistance may be lowered. Further, a functional group having a polarity is adsorbed to the plating surface, and thus the formation of a reaction layer at that portion is inhibited, so that there is a concern that corrosion resistance may be lowered. This phenomenon may be also observed when a film-forming aid (solvent such as butyl cellosolve) for forming a film from an aqueous organic resin at a low temperature is added. Thus, it is preferable for the chemical treatment solution of the present invention not to contain the organic acid, organic resin, silane coupling agent, and film-forming aid.

The above-mentioned specific component is not substantially contained in the chemical treatment solution. That is, the chemical treatment solution may be substantially composed of the above-mentioned component. As used herein, the term “not substantially contained” means that “may be contained in such a range that the above-described effects of the present invention are achieved,” and also means that “preferably not contained at all from the viewpoint of remarkably achieving the above-described effects of the present invention.” Examples of the specific component include a hydrophilic resin, fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion, and silicon derived from a silanol group.

The hydrophilic resin is a resin dissolved or dispersed evenly in an aqueous medium, and contains a hydrophilic functional group in an amount enough to allow the resin to be dissolved or dispersed evenly in the aqueous medium. The hydrophilic resin may also be referred to as an aqueous resin. Either one type of the hydrophilic resin or two or more types thereof may be employed. Examples of the hydrophilic resin include a resin which is dissolved or evenly dispersed in an aqueous medium to increase the viscosity of the aqueous medium; more specific examples thereof include acrylic resin, a polyolefin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane, which have the hydrophilic functional group as necessary due to modification. Examples of the hydrophilic functional group include a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, and an amino group. Either one type of the hydrophilic functional group or two or more types thereof may be employed, as well.

Incidentally, on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, there exists a polar group which typically exists on the surface of a metal, such as a hydroxyl group. The above-mentioned reaction layer is considered to be formed through a specific interaction of the polar group with component which constitutes the reaction layer, such as molybdenum and vanadium in the chemical treatment solution.

Accordingly, it is considered that, when there exists a large amount of the hydrophilic resin in the chemical treatment solution, the hydrophilic functional group undergoes an interaction such as hydrogen bonding or dehydration condensation with the polar group on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, so that the polar group to interact with a component in the reaction layer becomes insufficient relative to the component in the reaction layer, and as a result the formation of the reaction layer is inhibited, causing the expected characteristics of the chemically treated steel sheet to be insufficient.

For the above-mentioned reasons, the acceptable content of the hydrophilic resin in the chemical treatment solution is at most 100 mass % (i.e., 100 mass % or less) based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. When the content of the hydrophilic resin is more than 100 mass %, the formation of the reaction layer is inhibited, so that the expected functions such as corrosion resistance and blackening resistance in the chemically treated steel sheet may be insufficient. From the viewpoint of sufficiently exhibiting expected functions in the chemically treated steel sheet, the content of the hydrophilic resin is preferably as small as possible; for example, the content thereof is preferably 50 mass % or less, more preferably 20 mass % or less, and most preferably 0 mass %.

The fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion may exhibit etching actions on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet to form a layer of a fluoride. Examples of the fluorine include F⁻ and MF₆ ²⁻. As used herein, “M” denotes a tetravalent metal element, for example, zirconium, titanium, or silicon. Examples of the above-mentioned component which serves as an origin of the fluorine include potassium fluoride (KF), ammonium titanium fluoride ((NH₄)₂TiF₆), and hydrofluosilicic acid (H₂SiF₆). Either one type of the fluorine or two or more types thereof may be employed.

It is considered that, when there exists a large amount of the fluorine in the chemical treatment solution, the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet is dissolved by the etching action of the fluorine, and the fluorine in the chemical treatment solution is concentrated on the dissolved portion, with a fluoride thin layer being formed on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, so that the polar group, which is exposed to the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, to interact with the component in the reaction layer becomes insufficient relative to the component in the reaction layer, resulting in the inhibition of the formation of the reaction layer, causing the expected characteristics of the chemically treated steel sheet to be insufficient. Examples of the component that occurs due to the dissolution of the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet include Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, and Mg²⁺, and examples of the fluoride include ZnF₂, AlF₃, and MgF₂. It is noted that the fluoride can be confirmed on the chemically treated steel sheet by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

For the above-mentioned reasons, the total content of the fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion in the chemical treatment solution is at most 30 mass % (i.e., 30 mass % or less) based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. When the content of the fluorine is more than 30 mass %, the formation of the reaction layer may be inhibited, so that the expected functions such as corrosion resistance and blackening resistance in the chemically treated steel sheet may be insufficient. From the viewpoint of sufficiently exhibiting expected functions in the chemically treated steel sheet, the content of the fluorine is preferably as small as possible; for example, the content thereof is preferably 10 mass % or less, more preferably 5 mass % or less, and most preferably 0 mass %.

The silicon derived from a silanol group has a hydroxyl group. Accordingly, it is considered that, when the chemical treatment solution contains the silicon, the existence of the silicon derived from a silanol group inhibits the formation of the reaction layer, for the similar reason to those for the hydrophilic resin. That is, it is considered that, when there exists a large amount of the silicon in the chemical treatment solution, the hydrophilic group in the silanol group undergoes an interaction such as hydrogen bonding or dehydration condensation with the polar group on the surface of the zinc-based plated steel sheet, so that the polar group to interact with a component in the reaction layer becomes insufficient relative to the component in the reaction layer, and as a result the formation of the reaction layer is inhibited, causing the expected characteristics of the chemically treated steel sheet to be insufficient. Examples of the component which serves as an origin of the silicon include a silane coupling agent; more specific examples thereof include 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane, and vinylethoxysilane.

For the above-mentioned reasons, the content of the silicon derived from a silanol group in the chemical treatment solution is at most 50 mass % (i.e., 50 mass % or less) based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. When the content of the silicon is more than 50 mass %, the formation of the reaction layer may be inhibited, so that the expected functions such as corrosion resistance and blackening resistance in the chemically treated steel sheet may be insufficient. From the viewpoint of sufficiently exhibiting expected functions in the chemically treated steel sheet, the content of the silicon is preferably as small as possible; for example, the content thereof is preferably 20 mass % or less, more preferably 10 mass % or less, and most preferably 0 mass %.

The existence and the content of the hydrophilic resin, fluorine, or silicon in the chemical treatment solution can be determined using known analyzers such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission analyzer, and fluorescent X-ray analyzer.

The method of identifying the structure of a chemical conversion film is not particularly limited. For example, it is possible to confirm that a chemical conversion film includes the first chemical conversion layer and the second chemical conversion layer, by observing the cross-section of a chemically treated steel sheet using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Further, energy dispersive X-ray measurement (EDS) can be used to identify a component contained in each chemical conversion layer. Furthermore, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDS) can be used to identify the distribution of each component. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be used to identify the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on the mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film.

[Method of Formation of Chemical Conversion Film]

As described above, a chemical conversion film is formed by applying a chemical treatment solution containing the above-mentioned each component to the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet, and drying the same.

The application method of the chemical treatment solution is not particularly limited. Examples of the application method of the chemical treatment solution include roll coating method, spin coating method, and spray coating method. The deposition amount of the chemical treatment solution is preferably within a range of 50 to 1,000 mg/m². When the deposition amount is less than 50 mg/m², corrosion resistance cannot be sufficiently enhanced. When the deposition amount is more than 1,000 mg/m², corrosion resistance undesirably becomes excessive. Furthermore, taking account of spot weldability, the deposition amount of the chemical conversion film is more preferably within a range of 50 to 500 mg/m².

The drying temperature of the chemical treatment solution (a temperature of the sheet) may be an ordinary temperature, but is preferably 30° C. or higher. The chemical treatment solution of the present invention can enhance corrosion resistance and blackening resistance even when being dried at a low temperature and for a long period of time. When the drying temperature exceeds 120° C., a crack undesirably occurs due to the volume shrinkage of the chemical conversion film as a result of, for example, rapid decomposition of ammonia components, so that there is a concern that the corrosion resistance of the chemically treated steel sheet may be lowered. Therefore, the drying temperature of the chemical treatment solution is within a range of preferably 30 to 120° C., and more preferably 35 to 85° C.

As described above, the chemical treatment solution according to the present invention contains the above-mentioned water-soluble molybdate, vanadium salt, amine, group 4A metal oxoate, and phosphate compound, and the molybdate and amine are contained at the above-mentioned specific ratio to the vanadium salt. In addition, the chemical treatment solution of the present invention neither contains the above-mentioned hydrophilic resin, nor fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion, nor silicon derived from a silanol group, or alternatively only contains these elements up to the above-mentioned specific acceptable amount. Since such a chemical treatment solution is used for production, the chemically treated steel sheet of the present invention includes a zinc-based plated steel sheet, vanadium, molybdenum, phosphorus, and a group 4A metal oxoate, and including a two-layer structure of the first chemical conversion layer and the second chemical conversion layer. Therefore, the chemically treated steel sheet of the present invention is excellent in corrosion resistance and blackening resistance even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to Examples, which however shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention thereto.

EXAMPLES Production of Zinc-Based Plated Steel Sheet

A steel strip of ultra-low carbon titanium-added steel having a sheet thickness of 0.5 mm was used as the substrate steel to produce a hot-dip zinc alloy plated steel sheet having a zinc-based layer containing 6 mass % of aluminum, 3 mass % of magnesium, 0.020 mass % of silicon, 0.020 mass % of titanium, and 0.0005 mass % of boron (plating deposition amount of 90 g/m² per side), in a continuous hot-dip zinc plating production line, and the produced zinc alloy plated steel sheet was used as the original sheet for chemical treatment.

Example 1

A water-soluble molybdenum salt, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate, and a phosphate, which are shown in Table 1, were dissolved in water to prepare chemical treatment solutions 1 to 50. The name and symbol of each compound added to the chemical treatment solution are shown in Table 1. The composition and color of each chemical treatment solution are shown in Tables 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 4-1 and 4-2. Note that the dissolution of the vanadium salt was performed in an aqueous solution having a liquid temperature of 40° C. or lower containing an amine for preventing vanadium from being reduced.

TABLE 1 Type Symbol Compound Name Chemical Formula Molecular Weight Molybdate M1 Ammonium Molybdate (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄•4H₂O — Vanadium Salt V1 Vanadium Pentoxide V₂O₅ — V2 Ammonium Metavanadate NH₄VO₃ — V3 Sodium Metavanadate NaVO₃ — Amine EA Ethanolamine C₂H₇NO 61 DEA Diethanolamine C₄H₁₁NO₂ 105 IPA 1-Amino-2-Propanol C₃H₉NO 75 TMAH Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (CH₃)₄N⁺OH⁻ 91 EDTA Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (HOOCCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂N(CH₂COOH)₂ 292 EN Ethylenediamine NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ 60 NH Aqueous Ammonia NH₄OH 35 Group 4A Oxoate A1 Ammonium Zirconium Carbonate (NH₄)₂Zr(OH)₂(CO₃)₂ — Phosphate P1 Diammonium Hydrogen Phosphate (NH₄)₂HPO₄ — P2 Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate NH₄H₂PO₄ — P3 Triammonium Phosphate (NH₄)₃PO₄ — P4 Phosphorous Acid H₃PO₃ — P5 1-Hydroxyethane-1,1-Diphosphonic Acid C₂H₈O₇P₂ — Fluorine Compound F1 Potassium Fluoride KF — F2 Ammonium Titanium Fluoride (NH₄)₂TiF₆ — F3 Hydrofluosilicic Acid H₂SiF₆ — Silicon Compound S1 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane H₂NC₃H₆Si(OCH₃)₃ — S2 3-Glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane (H₂CCHO)CH₂OC₃H₆Si(OC₂H₅)₃ — S3 Vinylethoxysilane H₂C═CHSi(OC₂H₅)₃ —

TABLE 2-1 Chemical Molybdate Vanadium Salt Treatment Mo V Amine Solution Conc. Conc. Conc. Category No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) Ex. 1 M1 0.075 V1 0.10 EA 0.036 Comp. Ex. 2 M1 0.019 V1 0.10 IPA 0.044 Ex. 3 M1 0.075 V2 0.01 EN 0.035 Ex. 4 M1 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 Comp. Ex. 5 M1 5.00 V3 0.10 EA 0.036 Ex. 6 M1 1.51 V3 2.00 IPA 0.883 Ex. 7 M1 0.075 V1 0.10 EN 0.036 Comp. Ex. 8 M1 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.007 Ex. 9 M1 24.0 V3 8.00 EN 15.1 Comp. Ex. 10 M1 1.51 V1 8.00 NH 8.79 Comp. Ex. 11 M1 0.015 V3 8.00 EA 15.3 Ex. 12 M1 0.075 V3 0.02 NH 0.027 Ex. 13 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 EA 15.3 Ex. 14 M1 45.2 V3 8.00 IPA 18.8 Comp. Ex. 15 M1 90.4 V1 8.00 EN 15.1 Ex. 16 M1 24.0 V2 10.00 EA 19.2 Ex. 17 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 IPA 18.8 Comp. Ex. 18 M1 24.0 V3 8.00 EN 1.89 Ex. 19 M1 22.6 V3 8.00 DEA 39.6 Ex. 20 M1 0.753 V3 0.80 EA 3.07

TABLE 2-2 Group 4A Chemical Metal Oxoate Phosphate Treatment Zr P Color of Solution Conc. Conc. Mo/V Amine/V Treatment Category No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Ex. 1 A1 5.0 P1 0.25 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 2 A1 5.0 P2 0.25 0.10 0.30 Yellowish Green Ex. 3 A1 5.0 P4 0.25 4.00 3.00 Yellow Ex. 4 A1 5.0 P5 0.05 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 5 A1 5.0 P3 0.25 26.55 0.30 Yellowish Green Ex. 6 A1 5.0 P3 0.25 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 7 A1 5.0 P4 6.00 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 8 A1 5.0 P2 0.25 0.40 0.10 Yellowish Green Ex. 9 A1 40.0 P1 20.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex. 10 A1 40.0 P3 20.0 0.10 1.60 Yellowish Green Comp. Ex. 11 A1 40.0 P2 20.0 0.00 1.60 Yellowish Green Ex. 12 A1 40.0 P5 20.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 13 A1 40.0 P4 2.00 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 14 A1 40.0 P3 20.0 3.00 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex. 15 A1 40.0 P2 20.0 6.00 1.60 Yellowish Green Ex. 16 A1 40.0 P1 20.0 1.27 1.60 Yellow Ex. 17 A1 40.0 P5 60.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex. 18 A1 40.0 P3 20.0 1.59 0.20 Yellowish Green Ex. 19 A1 40.0 P1 20.0 1.50 2.40 Yellow Ex. 20 A1 40.0 P4 20.0 0.50 3.20 Yellow

TABLE 3-1 Vanadium Chemical Molybdate Salt Treatment Mo V Amine Cate- Solution Com- Conc. Com- Conc. Com- Conc. gory No. pound (g/L) pound (g/L) pound (g/L) Ex. 21 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 Ex. 22 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 EN 15.1 Ex. 23 M1 24.0 V3 8.00 TMAH 22.9 Ex. 24 M1 14.1 V2 5.00 NH 11.0 Ex. 25 M1 1.98 V3 0.30 EA 1.15 Ex. 26 M1 0.075 V1 0.10 EN 0.036 Ex. 27 M1 24.0 V3 8.00 EDTA 73.4 Ex. 28 M1 25.4 V2 3.00 NH 1.65 Ex. 29 M1 0.942 V2 1.00 NH 1.10 Ex. 30 M1 6.59 V1 1.00 IPA 5.89 Ex. 31 M1 3.50 V2 2.00 NH 2.20 Ex. 32 M1 0.075 V1 0.10 EDTA 0.172 Ex. 33 M1 1.41 V3 0.50 IPA 1.77 Ex. 34 M1 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 Ex. 35 M1 3.77 V3 0.80 IPA 3.77 Ex. 36 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 Ex. 37 M1 3.50 V1 2.00 IPA 4.71 Ex. 38 M1 0.075 V3 0.10 EA 0.036 Ex. 39 M1 3.11 V3 0.30 IPA 1.06 Ex. 40 M1 7.53 V2 8.00 EN 22.6

TABLE 3-2 Group 4A Chemical Metal Oxoate Phosphate Treatment Zr P Color of Solution Conc. Conc. Mo/V Amine/V Treatment Category No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Ex. 21 A1 40.0 P2 0.50 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 22 A1 5.0 P4 0.25 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 23 A1 40.0 P1 20.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 24 A1 33.5 P5 0.60 1.50 3.20 Yellow Ex. 25 A1 5.0 P3 0.25 3.50 3.20 Yellow Ex. 26 A1 14.0 P4 6.00 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 27 A1 40.0 P1 20.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 28 A1 27.0 P2 0.50 4.50 0.80 Yellow Ex. 29 A1 46.5 P2 0.50 0.50 1.60 Yellow Ex. 30 A1 5.0 P2 0.25 3.50 4.00 Yellow Ex. 31 A1 7.5 P2 0.50 0.93 1.60 Yellow Ex. 32 A1 5.0 P1 0.25 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 33 A1 40.0 P3 0.50 1.50 2.40 Yellow Ex. 34 A1 40.0 P2 0.50 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 35 A1 5.0 P3 0.25 2.50 3.20 Yellow Ex. 36 A1 33.5 P2 0.50 1.59 16.0 Yellow Ex. 37 A1 14.0 P2 0.50 0.93 1.60 Yellow Ex. 38 A1 33.5 P3 0.50 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 39 A1 40.0 P4 20.0 5.50 2.40 Yellow Ex. 40 A1 20.5 P4 0.50 0.50 2.40 Yellow

TABLE 4-1 Vanadium Chemical Molybdate Salt Treatment Mo V Amine Cate- Solution Com- Conc. Com- Conc. Com- Conc. gory No. pound (g/L) pound (g/L) pound (g/L) Ex. 41 M1 24.0 V3 8.00 EN 15.1 Ex. 42 M1 0.075 V3 0.10 NH 0.021 Ex. 43 M1 0.471 V1 0.50 DEA 4.12 Ex. 44 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 Ex. 45 M1 23.5 V2 5.00 IPA 29.4 Ex. 46 M1 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 Ex. 47 M1 0.075 V3 0.10 IPA 0.044 Ex. 48 M1 0.075 V2 0.10 IPA 0.044 Ex. 49 M1 0.075 V1 0.10 TMAH 0.054 Ex. 50 M1 14.1 V1 3.00 EN 5.75

TABLE 4-2 Group 4A Chemical Metal Oxoate Phosphate Treatment Zr P Color of Solution Conc. Conc. Mo/V Amine/V Treatment Category No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Ex. 41 A1 40.0 P5 20.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 42 A1 40.0 P2 20.0 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 43 A1 5.0 P1 0.25 0.50 4.00 Yellow Ex. 44 A1 46.5 P2 0.50 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 45 A1 27.0 P1 7.50 2.50 4.00 Yellow Ex. 46 A1 5.0 P5 0.25 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 47 A1 40.0 P3 20.0 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 48 A1 27.0 P5 7.50 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 49 A1 5.0 P1 0.25 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 50 A1 7.5 P4 6.00 2.50 1.60 Yellow

The surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment was degreased, and dried. Then, each of chemical treatment solutions Nos. 1 to 18 shown in Table 2-1 was applied to the surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a low temperature (a temperature of the steel strip of 40 or 80° C.) using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. Thus, chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 1 to 36 having the chemical conversion film were produced. Note that the deposition amount of the chemical conversion film in all the chemically treated steel sheets was set at 200 mg/m².

[Evaluation of Chemically Treated Steel Sheet]

For a test specimen cut out from each chemically treated steel sheet, the structure of the chemical conversion film was identified; the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the film was determined; the film deposition amount was measured; and the test specimen was subjected to corrosion resistance test and blackening resistance test.

(1) Identification of Structure of Chemical Conversion Film

The structure of the chemical conversion film was identified using the above-mentioned TEM, EDS, and XPS.

For example, FIG. 1 is a TEM image of the cross-section of a test specimen of chemically treated steel sheet No. 17. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the chemical conversion film of chemically treated steel sheet has a two-layer structure including the first chemical conversion layer and the second chemical conversion layer.

FIG. 2 shows an element distribution of the test specimen of chemically treated steel sheet No. 17, from the surface thereof toward the depth direction, measured using GDS. The abscissa in FIG. 2 indicates a measuring time (corresponding to the depth from the surface), and the ordinate indicates the relative intensity. As shown in FIG. 2, in the chemical conversion film of chemically treated steel sheet No. 17, the first chemical conversion layer contains large amounts of molybdenum, vanadium, and phosphorus, and the second conversion layer contains zirconium.

Although not specifically illustrated, it was also confirmed, in other chemically treated steel sheet categorized in Examples, that the chemical conversion film has the two-layer structure in the same manner as chemically treated steel sheet No. 17, and contains vanadium, molybdenum, and phosphorus in the first chemical conversion layer and a group 4A metal oxoate in the second chemical conversion layer. The two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film was not confirmed in chemically treated steel sheets categorized in Comparative Examples.

(2) Measurement of Deposition Amount of Chemical Conversion Film

For the confirmation of the deposition amount, zirconium in the film was measured using a fluorescent X-ray apparatus, and the measurement was used as an index the deposition amount.

(3) Measurement of Percentage of Pentavalent Vanadium Based on Mixed-Valent Vanadium in Chemical Conversion Film

The percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium (V⁵⁺/V) in the chemical conversion film was determined by analyzing the chemical binding state of vanadium in the chemical conversion film using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Two points of the surface layer of the chemical conversion film and the interface between the chemical conversion film and the plating layer were taken as points for analysis for each site of 10 locations randomly selected from the above-mentioned test specimen. The analysis of the interface between the chemical conversion film and the plating layer was performed after the chemical conversion film was sputtered using an argon beam from the surface layer. The depth at which the chemical conversion film was sputtered was determined by measuring the thickness of the chemical conversion film from the results of observation of the film cross-section using TEM. The percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium was determined from the percentage of a peak area of about 516.5 eV derived from V⁵⁺ (S_(V5)) based on the total sum of the peak area derived from V⁵⁺ and a peak area of 514 eV derived from V⁴⁺ (S_(V4))(S_(V5)/(S_(V4)+S_(V5)). The average value of the percentages at 10 measuring locations in each test specimen was employed as the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium (V⁵⁺/V) in the chemically treated steel sheet.

For example, FIG. 3 is an intensity profile of chemical binding energy corresponding to 2p orbit of vanadium in a film/plating layer interface in one location of 10 measuring locations at which a test specimen of chemically treated steel sheet No. 12 produced by drying chemical treatment solution No. 4 at a drying temperature of 80° C. was measured. The abscissa in FIG. 3 indicates binding energy, and the ordinate indicates relative intensity for a short period of time (per second). Further, solid line Mv in FIG. 3 is an intensity profile of chemical binding energy actually measured in the measuring point. Dotted line P_(V5) indicates a peak derived from pentavalent vanadium, dotted line P_(V4) indicates a peak derived from tetravalent vanadium, and solid line B indicates a baseline.

It could be confirmed, from FIG. 3, that the percentage of V⁵⁺ in the chemical conversion film was 0.7 or more in the above-mentioned test specimen. It was confirmed that the percentage of V⁵⁺ in the chemical conversion film was 0.7 or more also in other chemically treated steel sheets, although not particularly illustrated.

(4) Flat Part Corrosion Resistance Test

The edge surface of the test specimen of each chemically treated steel sheet was sealed and subjected to a salt spray test for 120 hours in accordance with JIS Z2371, and thereafter white rust generated on a surface of the test specimen was observed. Each chemically treated steel sheet was evaluated as follows: when the percentage of an area where white rust was generated was 5% or less, the evaluation was “A”; when the percentage was more than 5% to 10% or less, the evaluation was “B”; when the percentage was more than 10% to less than 30%, the evaluation was “C”; and when the percentage was 30% or more, the evaluation was “D.”

(5) Worked Part Corrosion Resistance Test

A bead drawing test (bead height: 4 mm, pressure: 1.0 kN) was performed for a test specimen of 30 mm×250 mm of each chemically treated steel sheet, and the edge surface of the test specimen was sealed and subjected to a salt spray test for 24 hours in accordance with JIS Z2371; thereafter white rust generated on a sliding surface was observed. Each chemically treated steel sheet was evaluated as follows: when the percentage of an area where white rust was generated was 5% or less, the evaluation was “A”; when the percentage was more than 5% to 10% or less, the evaluation was “B”; when the percentage was more than 10% to less than 30%, the evaluation was “C”; and when the percentage was 30% or more, the evaluation was “D.”

(6) Blackening Resistance Test

A test specimen of each chemically treated steel sheet was left to stand for a predetermined time in a humid atmosphere (temperature 60° C., humidity 90% RH), and thereafter the brightnesses of the test specimen before and after the test were compared. The brightness (L value) of the test specimen was measured using a spectroscopic color-difference meter (TC-1800; Tokyo Denshoku Co., Ltd.). Each chemically treated steel sheet was evaluated as follows: when brightness difference ΔL was 3.0 or less, the evaluation was “A”; when the brightness difference ΔL was more than 3.0 to 6.0 or less, the evaluation was “B”; when the brightness difference ΔL was more than 6.0 to less than 10.0, the evaluation was “C”; and when the brightness difference ΔL was 10.0 or more, the evaluation was “D.”

(7) Evaluation Results

The chemical treatment solutions used, the ratio of each element in the chemical conversion film, the results of the corrosion resistance test, and the results of the blackening resistance test for each chemically treated steel sheet are shown in Tables 5-1, 5-2, 6-1, and 6-2. Note that, in the following tables, the ratio of each element in the chemical conversion film is represented as parts by mass of each element based on 100 parts by mass of zirconium.

TABLE 5-1 Ratio of Each Element in Chemical Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying Conversion Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 1 1 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 2 2 200 40 0.4 2.0 5.0 Ex. 3 3 200 40 1.5 0.2 5.0 Ex. 4 4 200 40 1.5 2.0 1.0 Comp. Ex. 5 5 200 40 100.0 2.0 5.0 Ex. 6 6 200 40 30.1 40.0 5.0 Ex. 7 7 200 40 1.5 2.0 120.0 Comp. Ex. 8 8 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 9 1 200 80 1.5 2.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 10 2 200 80 0.4 2.0 5.0 Ex. 11 3 200 80 1.5 0.2 5.0 Ex. 12 4 200 80 1.5 2.0 1.0 Comp. Ex. 13 5 200 80 100.0 2.0 5.0 Ex. 14 6 200 80 30.1 40.0 5.0 Ex. 15 7 200 80 1.5 2.0 120.0 Comp. Ex. 16 8 200 80 1.5 2.0 5.0

TABLE 5-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V⁵⁺ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 1 1 0.92 A A A Comp. Ex. 2 2 0.40 D D D Ex. 3 3 0.88 B B B Ex. 4 4 0.79 B B A Comp. Ex. 5 5 0.45 C D D Ex. 6 6 0.95 A B A Ex. 7 7 0.75 B B A Comp. Ex. 8 8 0.40 C C D Ex. 9 1 0.95 A A A Comp. Ex. 10 2 0.41 D D D Ex. 11 3 0.91 B B B Ex. 12 4 0.81 B B A Comp. Ex. 13 5 0.46 C D D Ex. 14 6 0.98 A B A Ex. 15 7 0.77 B B A Comp. Ex. 16 8 0.41 C C D

TABLE 6-1 Ratio of Each Element in Chemically Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 17 9 200 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 18 10 200 40 3.8 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 19 11 200 40 0.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 20 12 200 40 0.2 0.1 50.0 Ex. 21 13 200 40 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 22 14 200 40 113.0 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 23 15 200 40 226.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 24 16 200 40 60.0 25.0 50.0 Ex. 25 17 200 40 60.0 20.0 150.0 Comp. Ex. 26 18 200 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 27 9 200 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 28 10 200 80 3.8 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 29 11 200 80 0.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 30 12 200 80 0.2 0.1 50.0 Ex. 31 13 200 80 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 32 14 200 80 113.0 20.0 50.0 Comp. Ex. 33 15 200 80 226.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 34 16 200 80 60.0 25.0 50.0 Ex. 35 17 200 80 60.0 20.0 150.0 Comp. Ex. 36 18 200 80 60.0 20.0 50.0

TABLE 6-2 Evaluation Results Chemically Treated Chemical Corrosion Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V⁵⁺ Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 17 9 0.92 A A A Comp. Ex. 18 10 0.43 C C D Comp. Ex. 19 11 0.35 C C D Ex. 20 12 0.95 B B B Ex. 21 13 0.92 B B A Ex. 22 14 0.86 A B A Comp. Ex. 23 15 0.25 C D D Ex. 24 16 0.85 A B A Ex. 25 17 0.90 B B A Comp. Ex. 26 18 0.32 C C D Ex. 27 9 0.95 A A A Comp. Ex. 28 10 0.44 C C D Comp. Ex. 29 11 0.36 C C D Ex. 30 12 0.98 B B B Ex. 31 13 0.95 B B A Ex. 32 14 0.89 B D B Comp. Ex. 33 15 0.26 C D D Ex. 34 16 0.88 A B A Ex. 35 17 0.93 B B A Comp. Ex. 36 18 0.33 C C D

As is obvious from Tables 5-1, 5-2, 6-1, and 6-2, chemically treated steel sheets each having a chemical conversion film in which the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more, and which includes a first chemical conversion layer containing vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer disposed on the first chemical conversion layer and containing a group 4A metal oxoate, the chemical conversion film being disposed on the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum have favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance. The chemical conversion film is obtained by applying a chemical treatment solution which contains a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate, and a phosphate, in which the molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium is 0.4 to 5.5, and the molar ratio of an amine to vanadium is 0.3 or more to the zinc-based plated steel sheet, followed by drying. The favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance of the chemically treated steel sheets are obtained even when the chemical treatment solution applied to the plated steel sheet is dried at a relatively low drying temperature of 40° C. or 80° C.

In addition, as is obvious from Tables 5-1, 5-2, 6-1, and 6-2, when the percentage of pentavalent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or less, corrosion resistance and blackening resistance are inferior.

Example 2

Next, chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 37 to 100 were produced in the same manner as chemical treated steel sheet No. 1 except that the type and the deposition amount of the chemical treatment solutions were changed as shown in the following tables, and were evaluated in the same manner as chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 1 to 36. The results are shown in the following Tables 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, and 10-2.

TABLE 7-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 37 19 200 40 56.5 20.0 50.0 Ex. 38 20 500 40 1.9 2.0 50.0 Ex. 39 21 500 40 60.0 20.0 1.3 Ex. 40 22 100 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 41 23 300 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 42 24 1000 40 42.2 14.9 1.8 Ex. 43 25 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 44 26 400 40 0.5 0.7 42.9 Ex. 45 27 250 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 46 28 100 40 94.2 11.1 1.9 Ex. 47 29 150 40 2.0 2.2 1.1 Ex. 48 30 50 40 131.8 20.0 5.0 Ex. 49 31 100 40 46.7 26.7 6.7 Ex. 50 32 400 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 51 33 250 40 3.5 1.3 1.3 Ex. 52 34 10000 40 0.2 0.3 1.3

TABLE 7-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 37 19 0.87 B B A Ex. 38 20 0.93 A A A Ex. 39 21 0.96 B B A Ex. 40 22 0.92 B B A Ex. 41 23 0.91 B B A Ex. 42 24 0.89 A B A Ex. 43 25 0.85 B A A Ex. 44 26 0.93 B B B Ex. 45 27 0.76 B B A Ex. 46 28 0.79 B B A Ex. 47 29 0.91 B A A Ex. 48 30 0.86 A B A Ex. 49 31 0.98 B A A Ex. 50 32 0.86 B B A Ex. 51 33 0.70 A B A Ex. 52 34 0.95 B A B

TABLE 8-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 53 35 1000 40 75.3 16.0 5.0 Ex. 54 36 300 40 71.6 23.9 1.5 Ex. 55 37 300 40 25.0 14.3 3.6 Ex. 56 38 150 40 0.2 0.3 1.5 Ex. 57 39 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 58 40 500 40 36.7 39.0 2.4 Ex. 59 41 100 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 60 42 300 40 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 61 43 150 40 9.4 10.0 5.0 Ex. 62 44 50 40 51.6 17.2 1.1 Ex. 63 45 200 40 87.2 18.5 27.8 Ex. 64 46 300 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 65 47 50 40 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 66 48 200 40 0.3 0.4 27.8 Ex. 67 49 250 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 68 50 50 40 188.3 40.0 80.0

TABLE 8-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 53 35 0.83 A B A Ex. 54 36 0.79 A B A Ex. 55 37 0.75 B A A Ex. 56 38 0.78 A A B Ex. 57 39 0.71 B A B Ex. 58 40 0.93 A B A Ex. 59 41 0.85 A A A Ex. 60 42 0.98 B A B Ex. 61 43 0.85 B B A Ex. 62 44 0.79 A B A Ex. 63 45 0.99 A A A Ex. 64 46 0.97 B B A Ex. 65 47 0.90 B A B Ex. 66 48 0.73 B A B Ex. 67 49 0.86 B B A Ex. 68 50 0.71 B B A

TABLE 9-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 69 19 200 80 56.5 20.0 50.0 Ex. 70 20 500 80 1.9 2.0 50.0 Ex. 71 21 500 80 60.0 20.0 1.3 Ex. 72 22 100 80 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 73 23 300 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 74 24 1000 80 42.2 14.9 1.8 Ex. 75 25 500 80 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 76 26 400 80 0.5 0.7 42.9 Ex. 77 27 250 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 78 28 100 80 94.2 11.1 1.9 Ex. 79 29 150 80 2.0 2.2 1.1 Ex. 80 30 50 80 131.8 20.0 5.0 Ex. 81 31 100 80 46.7 26.7 6.7 Ex. 82 32 400 80 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 83 33 250 80 3.5 1.3 1.3 Ex. 84 34 10000 80 0.2 0.3 1.3

TABLE 9-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 69 19 0.87 B B A Ex. 70 20 0.93 A A A Ex. 71 21 0.73 B B A Ex. 72 22 0.86 B B A Ex. 73 23 0.73 B B A Ex. 74 24 0.73 A B A Ex. 75 25 0.89 B A A Ex. 76 26 0.72 B B B Ex. 77 27 0.75 B B A Ex. 78 28 0.81 B B A Ex. 79 29 0.75 B A A Ex. 80 30 0.84 A B A Ex. 81 31 0.77 B A A Ex. 82 32 0.81 B B A Ex. 83 33 0.92 A B A Ex. 84 34 0.72 B A B

TABLE 10-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 85 35 1000 80 75.3 16.0 5.0 Ex. 86 36 300 80 71.6 23.9 1.5 Ex. 87 37 300 80 25.0 14.3 3.6 Ex. 88 38 150 80 0.2 0.3 1.5 Ex. 89 39 1000 80 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 90 40 500 80 36.7 39.0 2.4 Ex. 91 41 100 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 92 42 300 80 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 93 43 150 80 9.4 10.0 5.0 Ex. 94 44 50 80 51.6 17.2 1.1 Ex. 95 45 200 80 87.2 18.5 27.8 Ex. 96 46 300 80 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 97 47 50 80 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 98 48 200 80 0.3 0.4 27.8 Ex. 99 49 250 80 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 100 50 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0

TABLE 10-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 85 35 0.90 A B A Ex. 86 36 0.71 A B A Ex. 87 37 0.89 B A A Ex. 88 38 0.97 A A B Ex. 89 39 0.82 B A B Ex. 90 40 0.77 A B A Ex. 91 41 0.90 A A A Ex. 92 42 0.86 B A B Ex. 93 43 0.70 B B A Ex. 94 44 0.98 A B A Ex. 95 45 0.98 A A A Ex. 96 46 0.79 B B A Ex. 97 47 0.95 B A B Ex. 98 48 0.81 B A B Ex. 99 49 0.90 B B A Ex. 100 50 0.79 B B A

As is obvious from Tables 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, and 10-2, chemically treated steel sheets each having a chemical conversion film in which the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more, and which includes a first chemical conversion layer containing vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer disposed on the first chemical conversion layer and containing a group 4A metal oxoate, the chemical conversion film being disposed on the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum have favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance in a wide range of the deposition amount of the chemical conversion film. The chemical conversion film is obtained by applying a chemical treatment solution which contains a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate, and a phosphate, in which the molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium is 0.4 to 5.5, and the molar ratio of an amine to vanadium is 0.3 or more to the zinc-based plated steel sheet, followed by drying. The favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance of the chemically treated steel sheets are obtained, regardless of the deposition amount of the chemical conversion film, even when the chemical treatment solution applied to the plated steel sheet is dried at a relatively low drying temperature of 40 or 80° C.

Next, chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 101 to 106 which were comparative materials were prepared in the same manner as chemical treated steel sheet No. 1 except that the chemical treatment solutions were respectively changed to prior arts A to C, and were evaluated in the same manner as Example 1 according to the above-mentioned evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the following Tables 11-1 and 11-2.

[Prior Art A]

Commercially available partially reduced chromate treatment solution (ZM-3387; Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd.) was applied to the surface of an original sheet for chemical treatment, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a low temperature (a temperature of the steel strip of 40 or 80° C.) using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. Note that the chrome deposition amount of the chemical conversion film was 200 mg/m².

[Prior Art B]

A blue transparent chemical treatment solution to which ammonium zirconium carbonate, vanadyl tartrate, phosphoric acid and citric acid were added was applied to the surface of an original sheet for chemical treatment, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a low temperature (a temperature of the steel strip of 40 or 80° C.) using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. The vanadyl tartrate was prepared by reducing vanadium pentoxide in an aqueous tartaric acid solution. Note that the zirconium deposition amount and the vanadium deposition amount of the chemical conversion film were both 200 mg/m².

[Prior Art C]

A colorless transparent chemical treatment solution to which titanium hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid were added was applied to the surface of an original sheet for chemical treatment, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a low temperature (a temperature of the steel strip of 40 or 80° C.) using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. Note that the titanium deposition amount of the chemical conversion film was 200 mg/m².

TABLE 11-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Comp. Ex. 101 Prior Art A 200 40 — — — Comp. Ex. 102 Prior Art A 200 80 — — — Comp. Ex. 103 Prior Art B 200 40 — — — Comp. Ex. 104 Prior Art B 200 80 — — — Comp. Ex. 105 Prior Art C 200 40 — — — Comp. Ex. 106 Prior Art C 200 80 — — —

TABLE 11-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Comp. Ex. 101 Prior Art A — C D A Comp. Ex. 102 Prior Art A — C D A Comp. Ex. 103 Prior Art B — D D D Comp. Ex. 104 Prior Art B — C D D Comp. Ex. 105 Prior Art C — D D D Comp. Ex. 106 Prior Art C — C D D

The chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 101 and 102 obtained by using the commercially available chromate treatment solution were inferior in flat part corrosion resistance and worked part corrosion resistance, since the chemical treatment solution was dried at a low temperature. Further, the chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 103 to 106 obtained by using the chemical treatment solution in which vanadium was reduced with the addition of an organic acid or the chemical treatment solution containing a fluoride were each markedly inferior in flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance, since the chemical treatment solutions were dried at a low temperature.

As described above, it can be found, from the comparison between the test results of prior arts shown in Tables 11-1, 11-2 and Examples shown in Tables 5-1, 5-2, 6-1, 6-2, 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, that the chemically treated steel sheet according to the present invention has favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance compared to that of the prior arts. Further, it can be found that the chemically treated steel sheet is obtained by the production of a chemical conversion film made from the chemical treatment solution according to the present invention. Furthermore, it can be found that the favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance are also obtained by drying the chemical treatment solution at a low temperature.

Example 3

A chemically treated steel sheet produced according to the following procedure was provided. For an original sheet for chemical treatment, a steel strip of ultra-low carbon titanium-added steel having a sheet thickness of 0.5 mm was used as the substrate steel to produce a hot-dip zinc plated steel sheet of having a zinc-based layer containing 0.018 mass % of aluminum (plating deposition amount of 90 g/m² per side), in a continuous hot-dip zinc plating production line, and the produced plated steel sheet was used as the original sheet for chemical treatment.

The surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment was degreased, and dried. Then, each of chemical treatment solutions Nos. 19 to 50 shown in Tables 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, and 4-2 was applied to the surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a low temperature (a temperature of the steel strip of 40 or 80° C.) using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. Thus, chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 107 to 170 were produced.

For a test specimen cut out from each chemically treated steel sheet, the structure of the chemical conversion film was identified; the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the film was determined; the film deposition amount was measured; and the test specimen was subjected to corrosion resistance test and blackening resistance test. The chemical treatment solutions used, the ratio of each element in the chemical conversion film, the results of the corrosion resistance test, and the results of the blackening resistance test for each chemically treated steel sheet are shown in Tables 12-1, 12-2, 13-1, 13-2, 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, and 15-2. Note that the ratio of each element in the chemical conversion film is represented as parts by mass of each element based on 100 parts by mass of zirconium.

TABLE 12-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 107 19 200 40 56.5 20.0 50.0 Ex. 108 20 500 40 1.9 2.0 50.0 Ex. 109 21 500 40 60.0 20.0 1.3 Ex. 110 22 100 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 111 23 300 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 112 24 1000 40 42.2 14.9 1.8 Ex. 113 25 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 114 26 400 40 0.5 0.7 42.9 Ex. 115 27 250 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 116 28 100 40 94.2 11.1 1.9 Ex. 117 29 150 40 2.0 2.2 1.1 Ex. 118 30 50 40 131.8 20.0 5.0 Ex. 119 31 100 40 46.7 26.7 6.7 Ex. 120 32 400 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 121 33 250 40 3.5 1.3 1.3 Ex. 122 34 10000 40 0.2 0.3 1.3

TABLE 12-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 107 19 0.91 B B A Ex. 108 20 0.78 A A A Ex. 109 21 0.87 B B A Ex. 110 22 0.82 B B A Ex. 111 23 0.88 B B A Ex. 112 24 0.77 B B A Ex. 113 25 0.73 B B A Ex. 114 26 0.99 B B B Ex. 115 27 0.73 B B A Ex. 116 28 0.79 B B A Ex. 117 29 0.89 B B A Ex. 118 30 0.91 A B A Ex. 119 31 0.87 B B A Ex. 120 32 0.89 B B A Ex. 121 33 0.74 B B A Ex. 122 34 0.86 B B B

TABLE 13-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 123 35 1000 40 75.3 16.0 5.0 Ex. 124 36 300 40 71.6 23.9 1.5 Ex. 125 37 300 40 25.0 14.3 3.6 Ex. 126 38 150 40 0.2 0.3 1.5 Ex. 127 39 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 128 40 500 40 36.7 39.0 2.4 Ex. 129 41 100 40 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 130 42 300 40 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 131 43 150 40 9.4 10.0 5.0 Ex. 132 44 50 40 51.6 17.2 1.1 Ex. 133 45 200 40 87.2 18.5 27.8 Ex. 134 46 300 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 135 47 50 40 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 136 48 200 40 0.3 0.4 27.8 Ex. 137 49 250 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 138 50 50 40 188.3 40.0 80.0

TABLE 13-2 Chemically Treated Chemical Evaluation Results Steel Sheet Treatment Solution V5+ Corrosion Resistance Blackening Category No. No. Percentage Flat Part Worked Part Resistance Ex. 123 35 0.90 A B A Ex. 124 36 0.82 B B A Ex. 125 37 0.82 B B A Ex. 126 38 0.87 A A B Ex. 127 39 0.90 B B B Ex. 128 40 0.77 B B A Ex. 129 41 0.77 A A A Ex. 130 42 0.77 B B B Ex. 131 43 0.85 B B A Ex. 132 44 0.80 B B A Ex. 133 45 0.77 A A A Ex. 134 46 0.79 B B A Ex. 135 47 0.80 B B B Ex. 136 48 0.74 B B B Ex. 137 49 0.81 B B A Ex. 138 50 0.93 A A A

TABLE 14-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemically Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Treated Film Steel Sheet Treatment Solution Deposition Amount Temperature (Parts by Mass) Category No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 139 19 200 80 56.5 20.0 50.0 Ex. 140 20 500 80 1.9 2.0 50.0 Ex. 141 21 500 80 60.0 20.0 1.3 Ex. 142 22 100 80 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 143 23 300 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 144 24 1000 80 42.2 14.9 1.8 Ex. 145 25 500 80 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 146 26 400 80 0.5 0.7 42.9 Ex. 147 27 250 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 148 28 100 80 94.2 11.1 1.9 Ex. 149 29 150 80 2.0 2.2 1.1 Ex. 150 30 50 80 131.8 20.0 5.0 Ex. 151 31 100 80 46.7 26.7 6.7 Ex. 152 32 400 80 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 153 33 250 80 3.5 1.3 1.3 Ex. 154 34 10000 80 0.2 0.3 1.3

TABLE 14-2 Evaluation Results Chemically Chemical Corrosion Treated Treatment V⁵⁺ Resistance Cate- Steel Sheet Solution Per- Flat Worked Blackening gory No. No. centage Part Part Resistance Ex. 139 19 0.73 B B A Ex. 140 20 0.78 A A A Ex. 141 21 0.78 B B A Ex. 142 22 0.78 B B A Ex. 143 23 0.86 B B A Ex. 144 24 0.74 B B A Ex. 145 25 0.90 B B A Ex. 146 26 0.85 B B B Ex. 147 27 0.87 B B A Ex. 148 28 0.91 B B A Ex. 149 29 0.95 B B A Ex. 150 30 0.79 A B A Ex. 151 31 0.91 B B A Ex. 152 32 0.78 B B A Ex. 153 33 0.94 B B A Ex. 154 34 0.94 B B B

TABLE 15-1 Chemi- Ratio of cally Each Element Treated Chemical Film Drying in Chemically Steel Treatment Deposition Temper- Treated Film Cate- Sheet Solution Amount ature (Parts by Mass) gory No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P Ex. 155 35 1000 80 75.3 16.0 5.0 Ex. 156 36 300 80 71.6 23.9 1.5 Ex. 157 37 300 80 25.0 14.3 3.6 Ex. 158 38 150 80 0.2 0.3 1.5 Ex. 159 39 1000 80 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 160 40 500 80 36.7 39.0 2.4 Ex. 161 41 100 80 60.0 20.0 50.0 Ex. 162 42 300 80 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 163 43 150 80 9.4 10.0 5.0 Ex. 164 44 50 80 51.6 17.2 1.1 Ex. 165 45 200 80 87.2 18.5 27.8 Ex. 166 46 300 80 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 167 47 50 80 0.2 0.3 50.0 Ex. 168 48 200 80 0.3 0.4 27.8 Ex. 169 49 250 80 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 170 50 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0

TABLE 15-2 Evaluation Results Chemically Chemical Corrosion Treated Treatment V⁵⁺ Resistance Cate- Steel Sheet Solution Per- Flat Worked Blackening gory No. No. centage Part Part Resistance Ex. 155 35 0.91 A B A Ex. 156 36 0.82 B B A Ex. 157 37 0.82 B B A Ex. 158 38 0.86 A A B Ex. 159 39 0.84 B B B Ex. 160 40 0.87 B B A Ex. 161 41 0.78 A A A Ex. 162 42 0.84 B B B Ex. 163 43 0.96 B B A Ex. 164 44 0.82 B B A Ex. 165 45 0.82 A A A Ex. 166 46 0.74 B B A Ex. 167 47 0.68 B B B Ex. 168 48 0.83 B B B Ex. 169 49 0.87 B B A Ex. 170 50 0.78 A A A

As is obvious from Tables 12-1, 12-2, 13-1, 13-2, 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, and 15-2, it can be found that all chemically treated steel sheets each having a chemical conversion film in which the percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more, and which includes a first chemical conversion layer containing vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer disposed on the first chemical conversion layer and containing a group 4A metal oxoate, the chemical conversion film being disposed on the surface of a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum have favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance. The chemical conversion film is obtained by applying a chemical treatment solution which contains a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate, and a phosphate, in which the molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium is 0.4 to 5.5, and the molar ratio of an amine to vanadium is 0.3 or more to the zinc-based plated steel sheet, followed by drying. The favorable corrosion resistance and blackening resistance of the chemically treated steel sheets are obtained in a wide range of the deposition amount of the chemical conversion film, even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a relatively low drying temperature.

It can be found, from the above-mentioned results, that the chemically treated steel sheet of the present invention is excellent in worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

Example 4 Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solution No. 51

Ammonium molybdate, vanadium pentoxide, ethanolamine, ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC), diammonium hydrogen phosphate, which are shown in Table 1, and water were mixed such that the concentrations are as shown in Tables 16-1 and 16-2 to obtain chemical treatment solution No. 51. The composition and color of each chemical treatment solution are shown in Tables 16-1 and 16-2. In Table 16-2, “Mo/V” indicates the molar ratio of a molybdenum element to a vanadium element, and “amine/V” indicates the molar ratio of an amine to a vanadium element.

[Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solutions Nos. 52 to 57]

Chemical treatment solutions Nos. 52 to 57 were each obtained in the same manner as chemical treatment solution No. 51 except that molybdenum concentration, the type of the vanadium salt and vanadium concentration, the type and concentration of the amine, zirconium concentration, and the type of the phosphate and phosphate concentration were changed as shown in Tables 16-1 and 16-2.

TABLE 16-1 Chemical M1 Vanadium Salt Treatment Mo V Amine Solution Conc. Conc. Com- Conc. No. (g/L) Compound (g/L) pound (g/L) Category 51 0.075 V1 0.10 EA 0.036 Ex. 52 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 53 24.0 V2 8.00 EA 15.3 54 1.98 V3 0.30 EA 1.15 55 3.11 V3 0.30 IPA 1.06 56 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 57 14.1 V2 0.30 EN 5.75

TABLE 16-2 Chemical AZC Phosphate Amine/ Treatment Zr P Mo/V V Color of Solution Conc. Com- Conc. (Molar (Molar Treatment Cate- No. (g/L) pound (g/L) Ratio) Ratio) Solution gory 51 5.0 P1 0.25 0.40 0.30 Yellow Ex. 52 5.0 P5 0.05 0.40 0.30 Yellow 53 40.0 P4 2.00 1.59 1.60 Yellow 54 5.0 P3 0.25 3.50 3.20 Yellow 55 40.0 P4 20.0 5.50 2.40 Yellow 56 46.5 P2 0.50 1.59 1.60 Yellow 57 7.5 P4 6.00 2.50 1.60 Yellow

[Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solutions Nos. 58 to 64]

Chemical treatment solutions Nos. 58 to 64 were each obtained in the same manner as chemical treatment solutions Nos. 1 to 57 except that an organic resin as a hydrophilic resin is further mixed such that the organic resin has a concentration as shown in Tables 17-1 and 17-2. In Table 17-2, “AR” indicates denotes an acrylic resin, “PO” denotes a polyolefin, “ER” denotes an epoxy resin, and “PU” denotes polyurethane. In addition, the amount of an organic resin in Table 17-2 is the amount (mass %) of an organic resin based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution.

It is noted that “Voncoat 40-418EF” manufactured by DIC Corporation (the “Voncoat” is a registered trademark of this company) was used as “acrylic resin”; “Zaikthene” A type-AC manufactured by Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd. (“Zaikthene” is a registered trademark of this company) was used as “polyolefin”; “Adeka Resin EM-0434AN” manufactured by Adeka Corporation (“Adeka Resin” is a registered trademark of this company) was used as “epoxy resin”; and “Adeka Bontighter HUX-232” manufactured by Adeka Corporation (“Adeka Bontighter” is a registered trademark of this company) was used as “polyurethane.”

[Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solutions Nos. 65 and 66]

Chemical treatment solutions Nos. 65 and 66 were each obtained in the same manner as chemical treatment solution No. 51 except that molybdenum concentration, the type of the vanadium salt and vanadium concentration, the type and concentration of the amine, zirconium concentration, the type of the phosphate and phosphate concentration, and the type and concentration of the organic resin were changed as shown in Tables 17-1 and 17-2.

TABLE 17-1 Chemical M1 Vanadium Salt AZC Treatment Mo V Amine Zr Solution Conc. Com- Conc. Com- Conc. Conc. Cate- No. (g/L) pound (g/L) pound (g/L) (g/L) gory 58 0.075 V1 0.10 EA 0.036 5.0 Comp. Ex. 59 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 5.0 Comp. Ex. 60 24.0 V2 8.00 EA 15.3 40.0 Ex. 61 1.98 V3 0.30 EA 1.15 5.0 Comp. Ex. 62 3.11 V3 0.30 IPA 1.06 40.0 Ex. 63 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 46.5 Ex. 64 14.1 V2 0.30 EN 5.75 7.5 Comp. Ex. 65 1.00 V1 0.30 IPA 2.00 1.0 Comp. Ex. 66 1.00 V1 0.30 IPA 2.00 1.0 Comp. Ex.

TABLE 17-2 Phosphate Chemical P Organic Resin Color of Treatment Solution Conc. Conc. Amount Mo/V Amine/V Treatment No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (mass %) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Category 58 P1 0.25 AR 50.0 28500 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 59 P5 0.05 PO 80.0 45600 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 60 P4 2.00 ER 20.0 63.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 61 P3 0.25 AR 5.00 220 3.50 3.20 Yellow Comp. Ex. 62 P4 20.0 PO 0.50 15.0 5.50 2.40 Yellow Ex. 63 P2 0.50 ER 20.0 63.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 64 P4 6.00 PU 200 1170 2.50 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex. 65 — — PU 200 13300 0.53 2.72 Yellow Comp. Ex. 66 P1 1.00 PU 200 13300 0.53 2.72 Yellow Comp. Ex.

[Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solutions Nos. 67 to 73]

Chemical treatment solutions Nos. 67 to 73 were each obtained in the same manner as chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57 except that a fluorine compound that produces a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion in water is further mixed such that the fluorine compound has a concentration as shown in Tables 18-1 and 18-2. The amount of a fluorine compound in Table 18-2 is the amount (mass %) of a fluorine element based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. The fluorine element is derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion in the chemical treatment solution.

TABLE 18-1 Chemical M1 Vanadium Salt AZC Treatment Mo V Amine Zr Solution Conc. Com- Conc. Com- Conc. Conc. Cate- No. (g/L) pound (g/L) pound (g/L) (g/L) gory 67 0.075 V1 0.10 EA 0.036 5.0 Comp. Ex. 68 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 5.0 Comp. Ex. 69 24.0 V2 8.00 EA 15.3 40.0 Ex. 70 1.98 V3 0.30 EA 1.15 5.0 Ex. 71 3.11 V3 0.30 IPA 1.06 40.0 Comp. Ex. 72 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.79 46.5 Comp. Ex. 73 14.1 V2 0.30 EN 5.75 7.5 Comp. Ex.

TABLE 18-2 Phosphate Chemical P Fluorine Compound Color of Treatment Solution Conc. Conc. Amount Mo/V Amine/V Treatment No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (mass %) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Category 67 P1 0.25 F1 2.00 373 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 68 P5 0.05 F2 1.00 570 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 69 P4 2.00 F3 0.50 2.00 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 70 P3 0.25 F1 0.50 22.0 3.50 3.20 Yellow Ex. 71 P4 20.0 F2 10.0 293 5.50 2.40 Yellow Comp. Ex. 72 P2 0.50 F3 50.0 156 1.59 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex. 73 P4 6.00 F1 20.0 117 2.50 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex.

[Preparation of Chemical Treatment Solutions Nos. 74 to 80]

Chemical treatment solutions Nos. 74 to 80 were each obtained in the same manner as chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57 except that a silicon compound that produces a silanol group in water is further mixed such that the silicon compound has a concentration as shown in Tables 19-1 and 19-2. The amount of a silicon compound in Table 19-2 is the amount (mass %) of a silicon element based on the total amount of vanadium and molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution. The silicon element is derived from a silanol group in the chemical treatment solution.

TABLE 19-1 Chemical M1 Vanadium Salt AZC Treatment Mo V Amine Zr Solution Conc. Com- Conc. Com- Conc. Conc. Cate- No. (g/L) pound (g/L) pound (g/L) (g/L) gory 74 0.075 V1 0.10 EA 0.036 5.00 Comp. Ex. 75 0.075 V2 0.10 NH 0.021 5.00 Comp. Ex. 76 24.0 V2 8.00 EA 15.327 40.0 Ex. 77 1.98 V3 0.30 EA 1.150 5.00 Comp. Ex. 78 3.11 V3 0.30 IPA 1.060 40.0 Comp. Ex. 79 24.0 V2 8.00 NH 8.794 46.5 Ex. 80 14.1 V2 0.30 EN 5.748 7.50 Comp. Ex.

TABLE 19-2 Phosphate Chemical P Silicon Compound Color of Treatment Solution Conc. Conc. Amount Mo/V Amine/V Treatment No. Compound (g/L) Compound (g/L) (mass %) (Molar Ratio) (Molar Ratio) Solution Category 74 P1 0.25 S1 2.00 179 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 75 P5 0.05 S2 5.00 2850 0.40 0.30 Yellow Comp. Ex. 76 P4 2.00 S3 0.20 1.00 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 77 P3 0.25 S1 5.00 220 3.50 3.20 Yellow Comp. Ex. 78 P4 20.0 S2 8.00 235 5.50 2.40 Yellow Comp. Ex. 79 P2 0.50 S3 10.0 31.0 1.59 1.60 Yellow Ex. 80 P4 6.00 S1 20.0 117 2.50 1.60 Yellow Comp. Ex.

Note that, in order to prevent vanadium from being reduced in the preparation of the chemical treatment solution, a vanadium salt was added to and dissolved in an aqueous solution having a liquid temperature of 40° C. or lower containing an amine. It is considered that, since the color of each chemical treatment solution is yellow, the valence of vanadium contained in each chemical treatment solution is pentavalent (V⁵⁺).

[Production of Chemically Treated Steel Sheets Nos. 171 to 200]

The surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment was degreased, and dried. Then, chemical treatment solution No. 51 shown in Tables 16-1 and 16-2 was applied to the surface of the original sheet for chemical treatment in the amount of the deposition amount of chemical conversion film shown in Table 20-1, and immediately thereafter heated and dried at a drying temperature of (a temperature of the steel strip of) 40° C. for 2 seconds using an automatic discharge type electric hot air oven to form a chemical conversion film. Thus, chemically treated steel sheet No. 171 was produced.

Further, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 52 to 80 were used in place of chemical treatment solution No. 51 to respectively produce chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 172 to 200 in the same manner as chemically treated steel sheets No. 51, except that the chemical treatment solutions were applied to the original sheet for chemical treatment in the deposition amounts shown in Table 20-1 or 21-1, and heated and dried at a drying temperature shown in Table 20-1 or 21-1. Note that the drying time is 6 seconds when the drying temperature is 80° C.

[Measurement and Evaluation of Chemically Treated Steel Sheets]

For a test specimen cut out from each chemically treated steel sheet, the structure of the chemical conversion film was identified, and the test specimen was subjected to corrosion resistance test and blackening resistance test in the same manner as Example 1.

As a result, it was confirmed, in chemically treated steel sheets categorized in Examples, that the two-layer structure (i.e., first and second chemical conversion layers) similar to chemically treated steel sheet No. 17, for example, contains vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus in the first chemical conversion layer and a group 4A metal oxoate in the second chemical conversion layer. However, the two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film was not confirmed in chemically treated steel sheets categorized in Comparative Examples.

The type of chemical treatment solutions, deposition amount, drying temperature, the content of molybdenum, vanadium and phosphorus in the chemical conversion film, the percentage of pentavalent vanadium, and various evaluation results are each shown in Tables 20-1, 20-2, 21-1, and 21-2. Note that each content ratio of molybdenum, vanadium and phosphorus indicates parts by mass of each element based on 100 parts by mass of a zirconium element.

TABLE 20-1 Ratio of Each Element Chemical Chemical Depo- Drying in Chemically Treatment Treatment sition Tem- Treated Film Solution Solution Amount perature (Parts by Mass) Cate- No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P gory 171 51 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Ex. 172 52 200 80 1.5 2.0 1.0 Ex. 173 53 200 40 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 174 54 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 175 55 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 176 56 50 40 51.6 17.2 1.1 Ex. 177 57 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0 Ex. 178 58 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 179 59 200 80 1.5 2.0 1.0 Comp. Ex. 180 60 200 40 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 181 61 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 182 62 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Ex. 183 63 300 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 184 64 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0 Comp. Ex. 185 65 200 80 100.0 50.0 0.0 Comp. Ex. 186 66 200 80 100.0 50.0 100.0 Comp. Ex.

TABLE 20-2 Evaluation Results Chemical Chemical Worked Black- Treatment Treatment Flat Part Part ening Solution Solution V⁵⁺/ Corrosion Corrosion Resis- Cate- No. No. V Resistance Resistance tance gory 171 51 0.92 A A A Ex. 172 52 0.81 B B A Ex. 173 53 0.92 B B A Ex. 174 54 0.85 A A A Ex. 175 55 0.71 A A A Ex. 176 56 0.79 A A A Ex. 177 57 0.79 B B A Ex. 178 58 0.85 D D C Comp. Ex. 179 59 0.71 D D D Comp. Ex. 180 60 0.93 B B A Ex. 181 61 0.63 D D C Comp. Ex. 182 62 0.82 A A A Ex. 183 63 0.95 A A A Ex. 184 64 0.75 D D D Comp. Ex. 185 65 0.72 D D D Comp. Ex. 186 66 0.78 C D D Comp. Ex.

TABLE 21-1 Chemi- Ratio of cally Each Element Treated Chemical Depo- Drying in Chemically Steel Treatment sition Tem- Treated Film Sheet Solution Amount perature (Parts by Mass) Cate- No. No. (mg/m²) (° C.) Mo V P gory 187 67 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 188 68 200 80 1.5 2.0 1.0 Comp. Ex. 189 69 200 40 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 190 70 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Ex. 191 71 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Comp. Ex. 192 72 300 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 193 73 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0 Comp. Ex. 194 74 200 40 1.5 2.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 195 75 200 80 1.5 2.0 1.0 Comp. Ex. 196 76 200 40 60.0 20.0 5.0 Ex. 197 77 500 40 39.6 6.0 5.0 Comp. Ex. 198 78 1000 40 7.8 0.8 50.0 Comp. Ex. 199 79 300 40 480.0 160.0 5.0 Ex. 200 80 50 80 188.3 40.0 80.0 Comp. Ex.

TABLE 21-2 Chemi- Evaluation Results cally Chemical Worked Black- Treated Treatment Flat Part Part ening Steel Solution V⁵⁺/ Corrosion Corrosion Resis- Cate- Sheet No. No. V Resistance Resistance tance gory 187 67 0.85 D D D Comp. Ex. 188 68 0.81 D D D Comp. Ex. 189 69 0.92 B B A Ex. 190 70 0.90 A A A Ex. 191 71 0.68 D D D Comp. Ex. 192 72 0.75 D D D Comp. Ex. 193 73 0.74 D D D Comp. Ex. 194 74 0.81 C D D Comp. Ex. 195 75 0.79 D D D Comp. Ex. 196 76 0.95 B B A Ex. 197 77 0.84 C D D Comp. Ex. 198 78 0.76 C D D Comp. Ex. 199 79 0.93 A A A Ex. 200 80 0.78 C D D Comp. Ex.

As is obvious from Tables 16-1, 16-2 and 20-1, 20-2, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 171 to 177 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were sufficiently favorable.

However, as is obvious from Tables 17-1, 17-2 and 20-1, 20-2, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 178 to 184 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 58 to 64 having the same compositions as those of chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57 except containing a hydrophilic resin, at least one of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient at times. Specifically, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 180, 182 and 183 using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 60, 62 and 63 having a relatively low concentration of a hydrophilic resin, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were sufficiently favorable. In contrast, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 178, 179, 181 and 184 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 58, 59, 61 and 64 having a relatively high concentration of a hydrophilic resin, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient. This is considered to be because the content of a hydrophilic resin at a relatively high concentration in a chemical treatment solution inhibits the formation of the two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film.

Also in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 185 and 186, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient. This is considered as follows: chemical treatment solutions Nos. 65 and 66 contain a hydrophilic resin at a high concentration regardless of the presence/absence of phosphorus even though “Mo/V” and “amine/V” in chemical treatment solutions Nos. 65 and 66 are the same, and thus the formation of the two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film is inhibited for the same reason as described above.

Further, as is obvious from Tables 18-1, 18-2 and 21-1, 21-2, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 187 to 193 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 67 to 73 having the same compositions as those of chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57 except containing fluorine as a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion, at least one of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient at times. Specifically, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 189 and 190 using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 69 and 70 having a relatively low concentration of fluorine, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were sufficiently favorable. In contrast, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 187, 188, and 191 to 193 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 67, 68, and 71 to 73 having a relatively high concentration of fluorine, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient. This is considered to be because the content of the fluorine at a relatively high concentration in a chemical treatment solution inhibits the formation of the two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film.

Further, as is obvious from Tables 19-1, 19-2 and 21-1, 21-2, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 194 to 200 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 74 to 80 having the same compositions as those of chemical treatment solutions Nos. 51 to 57 except containing silicon derived from a silanol group, at least one of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient at times. Specifically, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 196 and 199 using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 76 and 79 having a relatively low concentration of silicon, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were sufficiently favorable. In contrast, in chemically treated steel sheets Nos. 194, 195, 197, 198, and 200 obtained using, respectively, chemical treatment solutions Nos. 74, 75, 77, 78, and 80 having a relatively high concentration of silicon, all of flat part corrosion resistance, worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance were insufficient. This is considered to be because the content of the silicon at a relatively high concentration in a chemical treatment solution inhibits the formation of the two-layer structure in the chemical conversion film.

As described above, it can be found that a chemically treated steel sheet excellent in worked part corrosion resistance and blackening resistance can be obtained by applying, to a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum, a chemical treatment solution containing a water-soluble molybdate, a vanadium salt, an amine, a group 4A metal oxoate and a phosphate compound, in which a molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium is 0.4 to 5.5, and a molar ratio of the amine to the vanadium is 0.3 or more; and the content of the hydrophilic resin is at most 100 mass %, the fluorine concentration is at most 30 mass %, or the silicon concentration is at most 50 mass %, based on the total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum, even when the chemical treatment solution is dried at a low temperature and for a short period of time.

This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2013-235543 filed on Nov. 14, 2013, and Japanese Patent Applications No. 2014-231275 filed on Nov. 14, 2014, the entire contents of which including the specification and drawings are incorporated herein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The chemically treated steel sheet of the present invention is excellent in corrosion resistance and blackening resistance, and is therefore useful for wide applications such as automobiles, building materials, and home electric appliances, for example. 

1. A chemical treatment solution for coating a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum, the chemical treatment solution comprising: a water-soluble molybdate; a vanadium salt; an amine; a group 4A metal oxoate; and a phosphate compound, wherein: a molar ratio of molybdenum to vanadium in the chemical treatment solution is 0.4 to 5.5, a molar ratio of the amine to the vanadium in the chemical treatment solution is 0.3 or more, a content of a hydrophilic resin in the chemical treatment solution is at most 100 mass % based on a total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution, a total content of fluorine derived from a fluorine ion or a fluorometal ion in the chemical treatment solution is at most 30 mass % based on the total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution, and a content of silicon derived from a silanol group in the chemical treatment solution is at most 50 mass % based on the total amount of the vanadium and the molybdenum in the chemical treatment solution.
 2. The chemical treatment solution according to claim 1, wherein the amine has a molecular weight of 80 or less.
 3. A chemically treated steel sheet comprising: a zinc-based plated steel sheet having a zinc-based plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum, and a chemical conversion film disposed on the zinc-based plating layer, wherein: the chemical conversion film includes a first chemical conversion layer disposed on a surface of the zinc-based plating layer and containing vanadium, molybdenum and phosphorus, and a second chemical conversion layer disposed on the first chemical conversion layer and containing a group 4A metal oxoate, and a percentage of pentavalent vanadium based on mixed-valent vanadium in the chemical conversion film is 0.7 or more.
 4. The chemically treated steel sheet according to claim 3, wherein: the group 4A metal oxoate is a zirconium oxoate, and the chemical conversion film contains 1 to 60 parts by mass of molybdenum, 2 to 20 parts by mass of vanadium, and 10 to 50 parts by mass of phosphorus, based on 100 parts by mass of zirconium.
 5. The chemically treated steel sheet according to claim 3, wherein the zinc-based plated steel sheet is a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plated steel sheet having a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum and 1.5 to 10.0 mass % of magnesium.
 6. The chemically treated steel sheet according to claim 4, wherein the zinc-based plated steel sheet is a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plated steel sheet having a hot-dip aluminum- and magnesium-containing zinc plating layer containing 0.1 to 22.0 mass % of aluminum and 1.5 to 10.0 mass % of magnesium. 